A vitrine Victorian, circa 1890, by Johnson & Appleyards

 satinwood and floral marquetry, in the Sheraton revival manner, of serpentine form, with an ivorine label for Johnson & Appleyards, Manufacturers, Sheffield, inside the door and another label on the underside

This is a fine quality piece in good overall condition. There are general shrinkage cracks to mouldings and veneers, minor veneer and moulding losses, old marks and scratches. Good colour and fine quality. Later lining, later electric fittings including lights to the inside of the top of the cabinet.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Johnson & Appleyards were a highly successful firm of late nineteenth-century cabinetmakers, winning a Gold medal in the Paris exhibition in 1900. Based in Rotherham and Sheffield, the company was founded in 1879, when two local firms, Appleyards and Johnsons, were merged. They grew rapidly, with a workforce of up to 400 producing furniture in both contemporary and revivalist styles. They described themselves as "Cabinetmakers, Upholsterers, Art Furnishers, Ecclesiastical and Domestic Painters and Decorators, by Special Appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales."  In 1891 they became a limited company; thus the absence of "Ltd" on the label on the offered lot indicates that this piece was made before then.   A full biography of the firm can be found in the journal Regional Furniture 2001, pp.43-63.